Cascade Policy Institute

09/01/2026

Oregon’s boom‑and‑bust cycle isn’t an accident — it’s the result of policy choices. For 20 years, the state has chased ideology instead of fundamentals: affordable energy, reliable infrastructure, and a climate where businesses can grow.

This article shows the pattern clearly: when times are good, Oregon adopts policies that make downturns worse. And families pay the price.

If Oregon wants real prosperity, it needs to stop repeating the same mistakes — and start building a foundation that actually supports growth.

https://bit.ly/4g5ddoC

Oregon Catalyst

By Dr. Eric Fruits By The Oregon Ledger, also Transformational Newsletter, “May you live in interesting times” is a classic curse disguised as a blessing. May 2007 was an interesting time in Oregon’s economy. During the dot-com boom of the 1990s, the state’s economy boomed as well. It was bo...

08/31/2026

New from Cascade: Portland’s War on Cars 3: Ending the War on Automobiles

Link:

Portland’s approach to transportation is under scrutiny. Part 3 of “Portland’s War on Cars” examines how cleaner vehicles, improved fuel efficiency, and safer roads have reduced many problems since 1970—and argues that Portland and Metro should focus on mobility, safety, efficiency, and be...

08/31/2026

I‑5 in the Rose Quarter carries 120,000 vehicles and $115 million in freight every day. Now a full southbound shutdown will triple travel times and push congestion into Vancouver — all because Oregon delayed essential maintenance for decades.

This is exactly why Oregon needs a serious, long‑term plan to maintain and expand its transportation infrastructure. Congestion is a policy choice — and Oregon can choose better.

https://bit.ly/3UJ4v71

OPB

Starting Sept. 11, all southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in Portland’s Rose Quarter will be closed for up to five weeks for long-awaited repairs.

08/28/2026

Portland's strategy of not building roads to discourage driving has backfired. Congested traffic means more pollution, more fuel waste, and more accidents — not fewer.

08/28/2026

New from Cascade: Greenwashing Portland’s Public Projects: A Case for Reforming Public Contracts

Read Here:

Portland promotes itself as an environmental leader, but new findings raise serious questions about recycling on taxpayer-funded construction projects. Hundreds of tons of recyclable materials were reportedly sent to landfills, raising concerns about greenwashing, accountability, and how government....

08/27/2026

COR held recycling contracts for major public projects — but the recycling wasn’t happening.

08/26/2026

Cascade Policy Institute was founded on a simple belief: Oregon's future is worth investing in.

For 35 years, we've worked to advance ideas that protect opportunity, strengthen communities, and keep Oregon a place where families and businesses can thrive.

Join us as we celebrate 35 years of impact and look forward to the future.
https://bit.ly/4wCuDPb

📅 Thursday, October 1, 2026
📍 The Sentinel Hotel – Governor Ballroom
614 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR

Q&A with Kimberley Strassel.

08/25/2026

COR Disposal didn’t just miss recycling targets — they falsely claimed 409 tons were recycled while dumping it in the landfill. That’s 87 truckloads of taxpayer‑funded debris buried instead of recycled. Metro knew the violations and renewed their contract anyway.

08/24/2026

Gas is $4.60 a gallon. Three out of four Oregonians are already cutting back on food and housing.

And now Gov. Kotek is backing a ruling that will push electricity bills even higher — at the exact moment families can least absorb another hit.

Oregon doesn’t need policies that pile on. It needs relief.

08/21/2026

For 35 years, Cascade Policy Institute has brought research, thoughtful analysis, and principled policy ideas to Oregon's biggest challenges.

The conversation is just beginning.

Join us October 1 for our 35th Anniversary Gala.
https://bit.ly/4wCuDPb

📅 Thursday, October 1, 2026
📍 The Sentinel Hotel – Governor Ballroom
614 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR

Q&A with Kimberley Strassel.